Boost Your Property Value with Investment Home Updates
Investing in home improvements can significantly boost your property value, but it is crucial to focus on the updates that offer the best return on investment (ROI). This article provides insights and guidance for homeowners on which renovations are most beneficial, ensuring you make informed decisions that enhance both your living space and property value.
Understanding Recent Market Trends
Before launching into any renovation project, it is crucial to understand the current market trends. Since the onset of the pandemic, 59 per cent of the surveyed experts note that prospective sellers have been less inclined to renovate their homes before listing due to sustained seller’s market conditions.
However, the outlook for home renovations among Canadian homeowners remains positive. According to a recent report, Canadian homeowners spent an average of $12,300 on home renovations in the last 12 months. Despite rising interest rates, only one in three homeowners surveyed are putting renovation plans on hold this year. This optimism indicates that many Canadians still recognize the value and benefits of investing in their homes.
Kitchen Renovations
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home and a well-executed kitchen renovation can significantly boost your property’s value. According to Royal LePage experts, a kitchen remodel can increase your home’s value by up to 20 per cent. Kitchen renovations, including counter upgrades, rank among the top three renovations with the highest ROI.
Tips to Maximize ROI in Kitchen Renovations:
- Upgrade Appliances: Invest in energy-efficient, stainless-steel appliances.
- Modernize Countertops: Choose durable, stylish materials like quartz or granite.
- Refresh Cabinets: Repaint or replace cabinet doors for a modern look.
Bathroom Upgrades
Enhancing comfort and value!
Bathrooms are essential spaces where homeowners spend considerable time. On average, bathroom renovations can increase a home’s value by 16 per cent. Upgrading fixtures, improving lighting and adding modern tiling can make a big difference in both functionality and aesthetics.
Finished Basements: Expanding Usable Space
Unfinished basements hold significant potential. Converting this space into a finished basement can increase your home’s liveable square footage and add value. Survey results indicate that finished basements can boost a home’s value by 15 percent.
Outdoor Spaces
Developing outdoor entertaining areas and improving landscaping can enhance your property’s value by an average of 10 per cent. A well-designed patio, deck or garden not only provides additional living space but also boosts your home’s curb appeal.
Tips to Maximize ROI:
- Create Functional Zones: Designate areas for dining, lounging and play to make the space versatile and attractive to potential buyers.
- Invest in Quality Materials: Use durable, weather-resistant materials for outdoor furniture, decks and patios to ensure longevity and low maintenance.
- Incorporate Landscaping Features: Add features like flower beds, shrubs and trees to create a visually appealing and cohesive outdoor environment.
- Install Outdoor Lighting: Proper lighting can enhance the usability of the space in the evenings and improve safety.
- Maintain the Lawn: A well-maintained lawn can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your outdoor space.
Interior Painting and Window Replacements
Interior painting and window replacements are two of the most impactful renovations you can undertake to boost your home’s value and appeal. According to survey respondents, new windows can increase a home’s value by 13 per cent, while a fresh coat of paint can add 12 per cent to its value.
These renovations, while relatively straightforward, can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your home, ultimately increasing its market value.
Making strategic home updates can significantly increase your property’s value and improve your living experience. By focusing on high-ROI renovations like kitchen and bathroom upgrades, finishing basements and enhancing both interior and exterior spaces, you can ensure that your investment yields the best possible returns. Whether you are planning to sell or simply want to enhance your home, these insights provide a roadmap for making smart, value-adding improvements.
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August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada
Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger
Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.
“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”
Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”
Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.
The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.
About Alex Irish & Associates
Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.
About The Regan Team
The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.